Got this request from a friend this morning:

Recommendations for casual, affordable lunch place in SF when getting off the bridge from OAK

Any thoughts—

Affordable
Casual
Where you can bring a female business associate
First meeting to explore working together

What's your recommendation? Have a need for an 8/7 lunch.

I responded:

Some suggestions:

Mochica — Peruvian, have not been for lunch but have been very impressed by a few dinners. Nice but casual vibe. Smallish place so shouldn't get too loud. Many entrées under $20. If get off bridge as 5th/Harrison exit, it's 1/2 ahead on Harrison on left.

Menu: http://www.mochicasf.com/menu

Map: http://bit.ly/en0U3


Umbria — Italian, my favorite spag & meatballs in city. Have not been for lunch but several good dinners. Pizza also good but not SF's best. Outdoor seating if it's a nice day. Many pastas and entrées under $20. Overall, probably a bit less expensive than Mochica. If get off bridge at Fremont exit, turn left on Fremont, left at first intersection onto Howard, resto on right at second intersection, corner of 2nd and Howard.

Menu: http://ristoranteumbria.com/menus.php

Map: http://bit.ly/3JpWU


Mehfil — If your guest is a bit more adventurous, this is Mackie's and my new favorite nice Indian (as opposed to Shalimar which is down and dirty Indian). Again, have not been for lunch but a couple of good dinners. During one dinner was very loud but I think that the party next to us had been drinking (quite) a bit. Unlikely to be an issue at lunch. Pissed us off when they closed before stated hour one night but I'll let that slide because the food's good. Most entrées under $15. If get off bridge at Fremont exit, turn left on Fremont, left at first intersection onto Howard, left at second intersection onto 2nd. One block ahead on right at corner of 2nd and Folsom.

Menu: http://mehfilindian.com/LunchMenuDineIn.htm (the info they give is a bit, um, odd)

Map: http://bit.ly/fMDRj

What do you think of my suggestions? Care to offer any others?

Also, I assumed that affordable meant entrées for less than $20. Is that reasonable for San Francisco? Or should affordable lunch entrées cost less?

Please leave your thoughts in the comments section!

[NOTE: I haven't forgotten that I owe you dinners six and seven for the FOOD, INC. $11 Dinner for Four Challenge. Pesky clients and preparing to move across the country have gotten in the way of what should be my real work, blogging! Sorry, I'll finish the challenge shortly.]